Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Exceptional metal fit seen on amplifiers
- First 5W in class A and then it moves to AB, providing sweetness and natural harmonics
- Delivers the most current output (45A per channel peak current), translating into the hardest slamming power amplifier
- Cleanest sounding power amplifier with absolutely zero noise coming out of speakers
- AC turn-on in-rush surge protection, overload and over-temperature protection
Product Considerations
- Sound was initially too upfront, too close and personal and dynamics were missing, needing a one-month burn-in period to bloom
- Delivers only 130W in 8ohms, and it has a max power of 240W for some short dynamic swings
- Power consumption doubled from 500W on S125 to 1000W on S300
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Kinki Studio EX-M7—S300 delivers more current output and speed, making it the hardest slamming power amplifier, while being comparable in transparency and resolution
Takeaway: The S300 is a high-end power amplifier that delivers a clean and powerful sound, and will adjust to the music, gear, and room acoustics. It offers a top-notch performance, making it a great addition to any hifi audio setup.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
S300
reviews
[{"title":"KECES S300 Power Amplifier Review – Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uKIZYN-Adw","source":"Tharbamar","datePublished":"2021"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Power Output: 60w
- Power Supply: 300va (150va on input & 150va on output)
- Input Impedance: 47k ohms
- Gain: 30db
- Dimensions: w240mm x h160mm x d240mm
- Unpacked weight: 9kg
Description
A Great British design, the S300 is a perfect companion for those building a set-up with the NVA passive pre-amplifiers. High quality Toroidy transformers and Vishay capacitors give dedicated power supplies for both the input and output stages. This provides excellent musical transparency and dynamic ease with a wide range of speakers.
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Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
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NVA P50 MKII Passive Preamplifier
- Positioning: Entry-level line, designed for simplicity and musical transparency.
- Description: Praised for its completely passive design, which ensures high musical transparency and simplicity. Unlike the more advanced models like the P50SA, it offers a basic yet effective solution for those who want to maintain a pure signal path without active components. This makes it ideal for users with a limited budget who prioritize a straightforward setup in small to medium-sized rooms.
NVA S80 Stereo Power Amplifier
- Positioning: Mid-range amplifier, suitable for bi-amping setups.
- Description: Designed for bi-amping tweeters, offering a low-power solution with excellent results when paired with the right speakers. It stands out from higher-end models like the S300 by focusing on specific bi-amping applications.
NVA Artisan S300 Stereo Power Amplifier
- Positioning: High-performance stereo amplifier for serious audiophiles.
- Description: Offers a significant upgrade with its high-quality Toroidy transformers and dedicated power supplies, providing excellent musical transparency and dynamic ease. Compared to the S80, it delivers more power and is suitable for a wider range of speakers.
NVA Artisan M600 Monoblock Power Amplifiers
- Positioning: Premium monoblock amplifiers for ultimate performance.
- Description: Features twin power supplies per channel, offering greater transparency and dynamic ease, especially with demanding speakers. Unlike the S300, these monoblocks provide dedicated power for each channel, enhancing separation and detail.
NVA Integrated Amplifier in Satin Matt Case
- Positioning: Flagship integrated amplifier with a focus on versatility and power.
- Description: Features a new satin-matt finish and upgraded power supplies, offering 70 watts of power with a premium volume pot for optimal signal purity. It combines the functionality of separate components like the P50 and S300 into a single unit.
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Avg. Product Price
$1,001-$2,500
Used For Sale
0
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
394
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
15
Founding Year
1982
Our take on the brand
NVA is a UK-based hifi brand known for its minimalist amplifier design philosophy, using the simplest possible circuits to ensure sound purity and musical transparency. Their unique four-stage amplifier circuit with quadruple power supplies sets them apart, as does their requirement that customers use NVA's own low-capacitance speaker cables to prevent potential damage and ensure optimal performance.
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What if you spend more?
NVA
M600
3778
3778
/
2
Reviews
NVA is a UK-based hifi brand known for its minimalist amplifier design philosophy, using the simplest possible circuits to ensure sound purity and musical transparency. Their unique four-stage amplifier circuit with quadruple power supplies sets them apart, as does their requirement that customers use NVA's own low-capacitance speaker cables to prevent potential damage and ensure optimal performance.
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Product Strengths
- The M600 monoblocks clean up the bass compared to the smaller S80 power amplifier
- The M600 monoblocks offer clarity in mid-range and natural tonality
- The M600 monoblocks provide detail and beauty/grace at high frequencies
- Excellent timing translates into precise imaging and superior spatial qualities
- The M600s improve the separation of transients and instruments compared to the S80
Product Considerations
- Bass lacks impact
- Careful consideration of partnering equipment is required to ensure it has detail and timing ability to match the amps
- The P50SA is a passive pre-amplifier, and some people who listen at loud volumes with low-sensitivity speakers may run out of dynamic headroom
- There is no remote control, which may be a problem for some users
- The speaker posts only accept banana plugs
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Burson stack has similar abilities to pull details from recordings, but sounds comparatively hifi with a more synthetic-sounding mid-range
- The Musical Fidelity is very resolving and will play a lot louder, but sounds artificial in the mid-range by comparison
- The Yamaha is great value and has a detailed presentation, but there's some leanness in the mid-range that isn't present with the P50SA M600s
- The Accuphase shares a wonderful sense of timing, but has a slight leanness in the mid-range
- The Hegel has greater slam to kick drums, but is no match for the NVA P50SA and M600 monoblocks in other regards
- The Exposure delivers more dynamic fireworks and a warmer, richer tone, but the NVA Pre mono combination has the more accurate tone, greater resolution of details, and a better sense of timing
Takeaway: The NVA M600 monoblocks paired with the P50SA preamplifier are a purist audiophile's dream that produce the finest sound for the price with unmatched clarity and definition. If detail and natural sound quality are desired, this could be a great choice.
Video review
Our take on the brand
NVA is a UK-based hifi brand known for its minimalist amplifier design philosophy, using the simplest possible circuits to ensure sound purity and musical transparency. Their unique four-stage amplifier circuit with quadruple power supplies sets them apart, as does their requirement that customers use NVA's own low-capacitance speaker cables to prevent potential damage and ensure optimal performance.
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NAD
M23
3749
3749
/
13
Reviews
Building on NAD’s long tradition of identifying and developing cutting-edge amplification technology, the M23 HybridDigital Stereo Power Amplifier features Purifi Audio’s Eigentakt™ design, a once-in-a-decade innovation that virtually eliminates harmonic and intermodulation distortion. Noise is inaudible, for a completely black background and exquisite micro-detail. Conservatively rated at 2x200W continuous into 8 ohms and 2x380W into 4 ohms, the M23 can deliver live performance levels through any loudspeaker. With its unique combination of features, performance, and value, the M23 represents the new benchmark for the stereo power amplifier.
NAD Electronics pioneered affordable hifi equipment by focusing on essential features for good sound, with their classic NAD 3020 becoming the best-selling hifi amplifier in history. Their Masters Series features DirectDigital technology, the world's first closed-loop digital amplification that corrects output every 10 nanoseconds.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- The M23's build quality feels solid and elegant, with impressive small design details
- The sound is striking in its purity and clarity
- It offers up to three levels of gain, switchable on the back panel, to best fit the system
- It provides a clear sound without sounding hard
- It features Purifi Eigentakt Class D amplification, which provides virtually unmeasurable distortion levels
Product Considerations
- The bass is clean but may be perceived as a little on the cool side and not as 'wompy-sounding'
- The M23 is not a forgiving amplifier that makes everything sound sweet and wonderful—it's not for those seeking a soft and mellow sound
- Bridging with speakers below 5 or 6 ohms is not recommended, as the amp will current limit and potentially shut down
- The reviewer found ergonomical challenges using fancy speaker cables in bridged mode due to wide terminal spacing
- The capacitive touch power button can accidentally trigger
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bel Canto C6i: The M23 offered a layer of refinement and better reproduction of the recording space
- Vs Pass XA25: The M23 had more transparent sound and detail, especially in the treble and upper mids, but lacked the organic quality of the XA25
- Vs HiFi Rose RS 520: The M23 sounded cleaner and had better separation/depth, HiFi Rose seemed to have an EQ built-in, emphasizing midrange and bass
- Vs NAD C298: The M23 is more neutral, deals with decay more naturally, and has better casework, making it look high-end
- Vs Anthem M1 monoblock amplifiers: The M23 was slightly more transparent throughout the entire frequency range
- Vs Bryston 4B 3: The Bryston had more grunt but the M23 is more neutral
Takeaway: The NAD M23 is a powerful and precise amplifier that delivers clean and clear sound, making it a great choice for audiophiles who want to hear their music as accurately as possible. It is especially well-suited for those looking to build a high-end system around a quality preamp or DAC.
Video review
Our take on the brand
NAD Electronics pioneered affordable hifi equipment by focusing on essential features for good sound, with their classic NAD 3020 becoming the best-selling hifi amplifier in history. Their Masters Series features DirectDigital technology, the world's first closed-loop digital amplification that corrects output every 10 nanoseconds.
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Parasound
Halo A52+
4199
4199
/
9
Reviews
Parasound amplifiers are a favorite among hi-fi dealers because they offer a ton of power and performance without hitting crazy price levels. Designed by John Curl, their hifi and home theater amps are known for clean, neutral sound and an ability to power just about any system with ease. Sure, you can find better amps, but they come with serious diminishing returns. For a lot of people, Parasound hits that sweet spot where you feel like you’ve reached the endgame without spending a fortune.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers ample, clean, and dynamic power to all channels, ensuring speakers reach their full potential
- Designed by John Curl, featuring Class A/AB circuitry for a balance of warmth, richness, efficiency, and punch
- Pleasing sound for dialogue and music, with very high-quality and detail
- Versatile, suitable for both movies and music, with a low noise floor for quiet passages and great transparency—that doesn't color the sound
- Built to last, with high-quality internal components
- Signal-sensing power-on mode can be fussy and may require adjustment
Product Considerations
- Super heavy and large, potentially requiring rearranging a system or dedicated rack space
- Only available in anodized black
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The A52 Plus has bigger parts and bigger power than the Outlaw Model 5000, including balanced XLR connections
- A52 Plus is the 'teenager' compared to the elder Parasound A51
- Parasound A52+ sounds better, is more accurate, and more powerful than the Denon receiver's amplifier section
Takeaway: The Parasound A52+ Halo is a versatile and powerful amplifier that delivers clean, dynamic sound for both home theater and music systems, with a build quality designed to last. This is a worthy investment for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts who seek high-quality audio performance.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Parasound amplifiers are a favorite among hi-fi dealers because they offer a ton of power and performance without hitting crazy price levels. Designed by John Curl, their hifi and home theater amps are known for clean, neutral sound and an ability to power just about any system with ease. Sure, you can find better amps, but they come with serious diminishing returns. For a lot of people, Parasound hits that sweet spot where you feel like you’ve reached the endgame without spending a fortune.
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Orchard Audio
Starkrimson Stereo Ultra DMC 2.5
4249
4249
/
16
Reviews
This amplifier has an independent power supply for each channel and 87,200uF (43,600 per channel) of added capacitance on the power supply rails. The Starkrimson® Stereo Ultra DMC offers phenomenal sonic performance. Its advanced design and meticulous construction ensure exceptional clarity, power, and dynamic range. Experience the nuances of your favorite recordings with crystal clear detail and realism. A must-have for discerning audiophiles, and music lovers/enthusiasts seeking to elevate their musical experience.
Orchard Audio is a direct-to-consumer hifi brand that uses Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology in their Starkrimson amplifiers, which allows for faster switching and less distortion compared to traditional amplifiers. Their compact Starkrimson Mono amplifiers deliver 150 watts per channel with very low noise, and the company provides detailed specifications and measurements that are valued by the audiophile community.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptionally transparent sound output quality
- Exceptionally powerful, capable of outputting 500W into a 4-Ohm load
- Delivers a remarkably clean, transparent sound with very little noise or distortion
- The amplifier's ability to reproduce bass is awe-inspiring and delivers deep, powerful bass without distortion
- Runs cool and weighs very little for its sound output, making it easy to move around
Product Considerations
- Options can be a little pricy, such as the 12v trigger and RCA inputs
- The Starkrimson Stereo Ultra may lead to further system upgrades
- Depending on your sources, the Starkrimson Stereo Ultra will play exactly what you feed it, good or bad, and if your source components are slow, the Starkrimson Stereo Ultra will not speed them up
- Power on only after all connections are properly made, including the power cord, analog inputs, and speaker outputs, and wait five minutes after powering it off before removing any of the connections
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Krell S550i integrated amp, the Starkrimson Stereo Ultra showed a much faster and finer resolution of the upper frequencies of the human voice and a far greater ability to play more of the microdetails of a recording
Takeaway: The Starkrimson amplifier is well-built and provides a level of speed and transparency to hifi music that makes listening to music very fun. Its GaN modules can be upgraded and it is available in several configurations.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Orchard Audio is a direct-to-consumer hifi brand that uses Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology in their Starkrimson amplifiers, which allows for faster switching and less distortion compared to traditional amplifiers. Their compact Starkrimson Mono amplifiers deliver 150 watts per channel with very low noise, and the company provides detailed specifications and measurements that are valued by the audiophile community.
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What competes at this price?
NVA
S80
1228
/
Released
The S80 is designed as a low-power amp for driving the tweeters in a bi-amping set up. However, with careful speaker matching the S80 can be used as a full range amplifier with excellent results; look for speakers labelled 8 ohms nominal impedance and which do not drop below 6 ohms impedance in the low frequencies.
NVA is a UK-based hifi brand known for its minimalist amplifier design philosophy, using the simplest possible circuits to ensure sound purity and musical transparency. Their unique four-stage amplifier circuit with quadruple power supplies sets them apart, as does their requirement that customers use NVA's own low-capacitance speaker cables to prevent potential damage and ensure optimal performance.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Clarity and natural tonality in the midrange and high frequencies rivals much more expensive amplifiers
- Exceptional imaging precision and soundstage depth—due to a pitch-black background
- Top-quality components are used, including WEMA film caps and a Blue Beauty Alps volume pot, which are unusually good for the price
- The circuit is DC coupled between stages, improving clarity and reducing coloration
- Hand built in Durham, England by MVA, a small hifi manufacturer driven by enthusiasm
Product Considerations
- Bass lacks definition and grip—affecting the overall rhythm
- Limited power may struggle with inefficient speakers or larger rooms
- Speaker matching is critical to achieve optimal performance; unwise choices can lead to disappointment
- Careful selection of speaker cables is required, avoiding shielded or twisted geometry cables with high capacitance to prevent potential oscillation
- The acrylic casework and lack of remote control may not appeal to all users
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Exposure 2510: S80 surpasses it in clarity and natural tonality in the mid-range and high frequencies
- Vs Hegel H190: S80 surpasses it in sheer levels of insight in the mid-range and high frequencies
- Vs Accuphase E280: S80 matches it in clarity and surpasses it in natural tonality
- Vs Cambridge Audio AXA35: Cambridge Audio AXA35 does an equally good job of hanging on to the rhythm section
Takeaway: The S80 power amp is a great piece of kit for people who value clarity and natural sound. It offers a unique approach to amplifier design.
Video review
Our take on the brand
NVA is a UK-based hifi brand known for its minimalist amplifier design philosophy, using the simplest possible circuits to ensure sound purity and musical transparency. Their unique four-stage amplifier circuit with quadruple power supplies sets them apart, as does their requirement that customers use NVA's own low-capacitance speaker cables to prevent potential damage and ensure optimal performance.
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Galion
TS A75
1495
/
Released
2024
The performance of this amplifier is so good that you will question whether the significantly more expensive amplifier you are currently shopping for is truly better than this one; for those who prefer XLR, the TS A75 comes with both XLR and RCA inputs.
Galion Audio designs amplifiers with truly balanced architecture and tube-like sound characteristics, featuring unique controls for feedback levels and tone adjustments that avoid typical tonal discoloration. Their amplifiers are distinguished by robust power supplies with dual toroidal transformers and the ability to switch between Class A and Class AB modes, which is rare in their price range.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a tube-like sound, with a warm and musical presentation
- Robust power supply with substantial capacitance (200,000 microfarads) provides good bass control and dynamics
- Transparent and precise sound, with a wide and deep soundstage
- Balanced design with both RCA and XLR inputs, the latter offering a cleaner and more dynamic sound
- Offers excellent value, outperforming other amplifiers in a similar price range
Product Considerations
- Requires a pre-amplifier to control volume
- May exhibit slight transformer noise when close to the unit
- Does not have pop control, requiring caution when plugging/unplugging connections
- Some reviewers found the logo placement slightly off-center and the blue LED power light too bright
- Bass control is not as punchy or defined for some tastes, leaning towards a tube-like bass delivery
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The TSA-75 has a different, more flavorful sound signature compared to the Orchard Audio's neutral sound
- The TSA-75 provides superior micro detail, cleanliness, clarity, and stereo imaging, compared to Schiit Audio Vidar 2
- Performance is head-to-head with the Denafrips Thalo, depending on sound preference—the more balanced, snappy presentation of the Thalo, or the more V-shaped sound with greater depth and soundstage of the TSA-75
- The TSA-75 has a distinct sound signature, unlike Emotiva amps
- The TSA-75 outperforms the McIntosh MC275 Mark VI in audiophile performance
Takeaway: The Galion Audio TS A75 is a well-built amplifier that delivers a warm, tube-like sound with good bass and a wide soundstage. It provides excellent value and is a great choice for those looking for a musical and engaging listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Galion Audio designs amplifiers with truly balanced architecture and tube-like sound characteristics, featuring unique controls for feedback levels and tone adjustments that avoid typical tonal discoloration. Their amplifiers are distinguished by robust power supplies with dual toroidal transformers and the ability to switch between Class A and Class AB modes, which is rare in their price range.
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Schiit
Tyr
1399
/
Released
2022
Tyr is a monstrous, old-skool, crazy heavy, over-the-top mono speaker amplifier. It uses the best of today's and yesterday's technologies to create something totally unique—and It has enough power to run almost anything.
Schiit Audio, an extremely popular direct-to-consumer hifi brand, specializes in entry-level DACs and amps for both headphones and speakers. Through their distinctive, authentic voice and low-price philosophy, they've built a very loyal customer base.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Robust, effortless power with excellent control makes it easy to drive all speakers with authority and deliver a satisfying listening experience.
- Balanced and neutral sound, with a solid low end that prevents it from sounding dull or anemic, while also ensuring it is not too aggressive to cause listening fatigue.
- Excellent timing makes music engaging and foot-tapping, and is particularly impressive with genres such as R&B and soundtracks.
- Built in the USA, it has a 5 year warranty and 15 day satisfaction guarantee
Product Considerations
- Not ideal for listeners seeking a romantic, sweet, and smooth midrange, or those who prefer a very lively sound.
- The amp required careful system matching to achieve its full potential, particularly needing a high-end preamp to unlock greater refinement and resolution.
- Bass performance might be seriously challenged by more modern amplifiers.
- There is a slight differential in gain
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Emotiva A1s, the Tyr has more bass, more clarity in the bass, and is less veiled overall
- Reminiscent of McIntosh 7270—the Tyr gives off similar 'Mac vibes'.
Takeaway:
The Schiit Tyr monoblocks deliver a lot of power and control, making music sound good with a balanced and neutral style. It's a great option for an amplifier that can handle almost any speaker and is versatile.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Schiit Audio, an extremely popular direct-to-consumer hifi brand, specializes in entry-level DACs and amps for both headphones and speakers. Through their distinctive, authentic voice and low-price philosophy, they've built a very loyal customer base.
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Topping
DX9
1299
/
Released
2023
Topping Audio is a measurement-focused hifi brand that developed its own proprietary PSRM DAC architecture and NFCA amplifier topology to achieve exceptionally low distortion levels. Their products, from the flagship D90 III Discrete DAC to entry-level interfaces like the E2x2, use advanced technologies like custom I/V conversion stages and high-feedback Class B designs to deliver clean, accurate sound reproduction.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Breathtaking design with curved corners, symmetrical front faceplate, and a glass component revealing internal circuitry
- Powerful headphone amplifier capable of outputting up to 10W at 16Ω and 7W at 32Ω
- Good sound quality, described as clean, detailed, and punchy, with a balanced tonal presentation
- CNC machined aluminum remote control with rubber buttons
- Multiple inputs and outputs, including 6.35mm, 4.4mm, and 4-pin XLR outputs on the front, and optical, coaxial, AES, IIS, USB, and Bluetooth on the back, with RCA and XLR outputs for lineout and preamplifier lineouts
Product Considerations
- Glass top panel gets hotter than the aluminum housing
- The glass panel is a fingerprint magnet and requires cleaning regularly
- No analog line-in to pair the amplifier with 3rd party DACs
- No streaming capability via WiFi or LAN
- Some menu navigation can be cumbersome, requiring cycling through options rather than direct selection
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Topping A90 and D90 stack, the DX9 has similar inputs, outputs and power, but the stack is more versatile, as the amp and DAC can be used separately— the DX9 has additional coaxial and optical inputs, and the sound is somewhat similar
- Compared to the HIFIMAN EF400, the DX9 has more inputs/outputs and more power, but the EF400 sounds warmer
- Compared to the Topping D90SE, the DX9 sounds more fun, its bass and midrange has more energy and oomph, but the D90SE is more transparent, though ultimately quite flat
- Compared to the AURALiC Altair G2.1, the DX9 sounds cleaner and better separated, with a small reduction in digital hash
Takeaway: The Topping DX9 is a beautiful and powerful all-in-one DAC/amp that offers a clean and detailed sound, making it suitable for both headphone and speaker setups. Its versatility and attractive design make it a compelling option for those seeking a high-quality audio solution.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Topping Audio is a measurement-focused hifi brand that developed its own proprietary PSRM DAC architecture and NFCA amplifier topology to achieve exceptionally low distortion levels. Their products, from the flagship D90 III Discrete DAC to entry-level interfaces like the E2x2, use advanced technologies like custom I/V conversion stages and high-feedback Class B designs to deliver clean, accurate sound reproduction.
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Peachtree
GaN 1
1499
/
Released
2022
The GaN 1 is a 200 watt-per-channel power amplifier designed to be the sole interface between your variable output digital audio device, like a Bluesound NODE, and your speakers. The GaN 1 is a simple, pure and cost-effective audio solution. Connect the GaN 1 to a streamer and a pair of speakers. That's it...no DAC, no preamp and no input switching. The signal path from the music to your speakers is remarkably short and free from artifacts.
Peachtree Audio, a popular entry-level hifi brand, delivers Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology in their amplifiers, making Class D sound more like Class A with a richer midrange.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- GANFET transistors switch faster, are more heat resistant, and produce less distortion than MOSFET transistors
- A monstrous 400-watt regulated power supply
- Designed to work specifically with a source with a variable output, be it a silver disc-spinning device or one of today's best yet affordable HD music streamers
- Offers a level of audiophile performance that well exceeds any reasonable expectations that come with the amp's modest price tag
- Offers a super clean minimal setup when paired with the Bluesound Node
Product Considerations
- Has only one digital coaxial input, limiting connectivity options and expansion
- Lacks volume indication on the unit itself, requiring reliance on the source's volume control
- Some reviewers noticed a high-pitched noise coming from early prototypes, which was later fixed by Peachtree
- Isn't the type of amp that makes a poorly recorded song sound better
- Is a non-standard size
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bluesound Power Node: Setup has a much more substantial mid-range, better low-end control, and ever so slightly better speed with rhythmic transient attack
- Vs NAD M10 V2: Is the more dynamically relaxed
- Vs Hegel H190: Reviewers actually preferred the more forward presentation of midrange
Takeaway: The GAN1 is a forward-thinking piece of tech that prioritizes simplicity and sound quality for those who want to just stream music. It provides outstanding value and impressive performance, especially for those looking for a minimalist, high-fidelity system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Peachtree Audio, a popular entry-level hifi brand, delivers Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology in their amplifiers, making Class D sound more like Class A with a richer midrange.
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